Toenail fungus is among the most common conditions in the US, affecting approximately 10% of Americans. Known medically as onychomycosis, toenail fungus occurs due to an overgrowth of fungus into your nail, leading to infection. If left untreated, the fungus will continue to invade the toenail, eventually damaging the underlying tissues.Today, we ask the question – “what is the cost of laser treatment for toenail fungus?”
To cure this condition, many patients try over-the-counter (OTC) medications. These include topical antifungal creams, ointments, and nail varnish. Such treatments are notoriously ineffective. Prescription antifungals are usually given orally and are substantially more effective; where topical treatments can take a year or more, oral antifungals take effect within months. However, even the best oral treatments can fail half the time.
In contrast, laser treatment is regarded as by far the most effective remedy. There’s just the not-so-small cost of laser treatment for toenail fungus to consider. Below we’ll discuss the cost of laser treatment for toenail fungus, why it’s so effective, and the cost of other treatments.
What is the cost of laser treatment for toenail fungus?
How much do other toenail antifungal treatments cost?
Why is laser therapy so effective?
What to expect from laser therapy
What is the cost of laser treatment for toenail fungus?
Laser therapy is the most expensive treatment available for toenail fungus. However, it’s also the most effective and fast-acting. The cost of laser treatment for toenail fungus depends on the podiatrist’s experience and the laser being used. Certain types of laser therapy are more effective than others and typically cost more.
According to the Wall Street Journal, in 2011, the cost of zapping nail fungus averaged $750 to $1,500. Prices have remained steady since. For the money, you’ll likely get multiple sessions and a 60% to 80% chance the fungal infection is permanently treated.
Medicare does not typically cover these costs unless you have a diabetic-related nerve disorder. Some healthcare plans may cover the treatment, especially if other antifungal treatments have proven ineffective.
How much do other toenail antifungal treatments cost?
Compared to laser therapy, other toenail fungus treatments are substantially cheaper. OTC topical medications or generic oral medications are typically available for less than $100. Topical treatments may cost less than $20. However, topical treatments can take longer than a year to be effective, and oral medications may take several months.
More potent prescription oral medication can cost up to $500 – the price will rise for branded drugs. These drugs are more effective. For example, a 90-day supply of terbinafine costs as little as $10 at Walmart. Whereas brand name drugs, like the antifungal Lamisil, cost $500 or more.
On the extreme end, the costs of rare fungal infections like eumycetoma (very uncommon in the United States) can rise to $20,000 or more. That price can include amputation, in cases where oral antifungals are persistently ineffective.
Why is laser therapy so effective?
In simple terms, laser therapy uses powerful lasers to penetrate through the nail to the fungus growing beneath. Miraculously, the laser vaporizes the fungus, inhibiting further growth without damaging the surrounding skin and tissue. That’s because the laser is set to a particular wavelength only the fungus will absorb.
Fungal infections are so hard to treat because of the inadequate blood supply to the extremities. The body’s normal immune defenses are lowered, increasing the risk of infection. That risk rises in diabetes, where blood and nerve supply are impaired, and in immune conditions, where the immune system’s defenses are dampened.
Antibiotics act as a sort of “pseudo-immune system,” inhibiting fungal growth or killing the fungus. However, without immune support, this is a slow process. Laser therapy, on the other hand, targets the fungus directly.
What to expect from laser therapy
Laser therapy is a pain-free, quick, effective treatment. You will arrive for a session and be greeted by your podiatrist. They will examine your feet and set up the laser. It takes approximately 10 to 20 minutes per foot for the treatment to work. During this time, you should feel no pain or discomfort.
After the treatment, you are free to go home and walk as normal. Multiple treatments will be needed to produce the complete elimination of the underlying fungus. However, the nail will not immediately return to normal, as the damage caused by the fungus remains. It usually takes 6 to 12 months for a new nail to grow.
Is laser therapy for you?
Please speak to our expert podiatrists if you’re interested in trying laser therapy for your toenail fungus. We’ll schedule an appointment to inspect your feet and determine the best course of action. We’ll also provide a quote based on the number of treatments you will need. Thank you for joining us while we tackle the question of what is the cost of laser treatment for toenail fungus.
FAQs
For these patients, we offer a "pay as you go" option, starting at $285 for the first treatment. If it turns out you need additional treatments, you can have up to three more laser treatments for just $175 each, as long as they are within three months of each other.
Is laser treatment for toenail fungus expensive? ›
How much does laser treatment cost? The cost varies depending on the number of nails involved and severity of the infection. The national average for laser treatment is between $500 and $1200.
Does insurance cover laser toenail fungus treatment? ›
Laser toenail fungus treatment is considered an elective, cosmetic procedure. Unfortunately, cosmetic procedures are not covered by health insurance. The cost of treatment depends on the severity of the infection, how many nails are affected, and the number of sessions needed.
How many laser treatments are needed for toenail fungus? ›
How many laser treatments are needed for toenail fungus? Most patients only need one laser treatment to get rid of toenail fungus. In some more severe cases, it may take two treatments to fully extinguish toenail fungus. 90% of patients report that their fungus is gone after one treatment.
How much is nail laser therapy? ›
Prices-Fungal Nail With ND YAG Laser
Cost per visit from £99.00 one foot or £150.00 for both feet. Treatments are conducted every 4 to 6 weeks depending on the area being treated. The number of treatments required varies, although typically 2-4 treatments are needed for optimum results.
Will Medicare pay for toenail fungus treatment? ›
Medicare Part B will cover “medically necessary” services, including doctor visits and care in an outpatient setting for toenail fungus diagnosis and treatment. Original Medicare, on the other hand, will likely pay 20% of the “Medicare-approved” cost, and the Part B deductible will also apply.
Is laser toenail fungus better than oral? ›
Some individuals may have allergies or intolerances to oral antifungal medications or topical treatments. In such cases, laser therapy can be a suitable alternative for treating the infection without the need for systemic medications.
Which laser is best for toenail fungus? ›
Currently, there are two types of laser devices – blue light lasers and carbon-dioxide lasers (CO2)- both offer proven benefits when used to treat toenail fungus infections. A clinical study conducted in 2016 found that patients treated with these technologies showed clear nails three and six months after treatment.
Is laser therapy covered by Medicare? ›
Yes, cold laser therapy is covered by Medicare as a form of physical therapy or rehabilitation. Depending on the type of care you need, your coverage may vary. For instance, if you require cold laser therapy to manage a chronic condition such as arthritis, it may be covered under Part B benefits.
Do at home lasers work for toenail fungus? ›
Do Home Lasers Provide Effective Toenail Fungus Treatment? They are not as powerful as those used by podiatrists, but can be somewhat effective. These devices emit a low-level laser penetrating the nail plate, killing the fungus.
You won't see an immediate change in your nails following a laser treatment, but that doesn't mean it did not work. Usually in a few months, when your nail has had a chance to grow, you should see new, healthy nail appearing.
What are the side effects of laser toenail fungus removal? ›
However, possible side effects may include a feeling of warmth and/or slight pain during treatment, redness of the treated skin around the nail lasting 24 – 72 hours, slight swelling of the treated skin around the nail lasting 24 – 72 hours, discolouration or burn marks may occur on the nail.
What do toenails look like after laser treatment? ›
You will begin to notice results within 2-4 months, depending on how quickly your toenails grow. New, clear growth begins to appear at the bottom portion of your nail as the diseased portion of the nail grows out.
Is toenail laser treatment expensive? ›
The national average for laser treatment is between $500 and $1200. Dr. Charles Baik, DPM, and his team offer prompt diagnosis and early intervention in order to provide preventative care to keep toenail fungus from developing into a more serious condition.
How much does laser treatment for fungal infection cost? ›
10000 per session, depending on the area to be treated and the amount of laser shorts consumed.
Is laser treatment very expensive? ›
Average cost range per session of Laser Hair Removal
The average hair removal laser treatment cost in India (LHR) per session at Kolors Healthcare varies depending on the treatment area. For the upper lip, the cost ranges from Rs. 1,500 to Rs. 5,000 per session.
How successful is laser treatment for toenail fungus? ›
Clinical research trials show laser treatment success being as high as 90% with multiple treatments, whereas current prescription therapies are about 50% effective.
How long does laser nail fungus treatment last? ›
This system eradicates the fungus. It will require repeat visits for treatment over a 3 month period. The treatment is typically 5-15 minutes, spaced 30 days apart for 3 months. As the nail grows slowly, it can take approximately 6-12 months for the new nail to replace the old infected nail.
What is the most powerful toenail fungus treatment? ›
And you'll need a prescription for these pills.
- Terbinafine. The best pill for toenail fungus is terbinafine (Lamisil). ...
- Itraconazole. Another good treatment is itraconazole (Sporanox). ...
- Fluconazole. Oral fluconazole (Diflucan, Celozole) is another pill that's sometimes used to treat toenail fungus. ...
- Noxafil.
They are not as powerful as those used by podiatrists, but can be somewhat effective. These devices emit a low-level laser penetrating the nail plate, killing the fungus. While they are not as effective as professional laser treatment, they can help reduce the symptoms of the infection and promote healing.
